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ejsimpson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The chapters are short but poignant, though I wonder how could Rachel’s podcast truly be topping the charts with such short entries (then again, I’m largely unfamiliar with podcasts). Such short chapters make the story feel like it’s progressing more quickly, or maybe that’s this bookworm’s “oh, just one more chapter” excuse for staying up late. A quick and easy read but one centered on an important yet controversial topic.
At one point Rachel tells her listeners that as a woman she is expected to merely ignore and accept small acts of sexual assault. Inconspicuous things, seemingly accidental things. This I think all women can relate to, some more than others. Why can we agree that murder is bad yet be so divided on rape and sexual assault? There was a chapter where K takes the stand and her testimony could be difficult for some readers as it discusses the events of the fateful night on the beach. The screaming and pleading, the bruises and descriptions of photos, the intentionally cruel attitude of Scott.
The back and forth of K v Scott unfolding “in real time” while the hazy truth of Jenny’s torturous final weeks come to light was done methodically and done well. Neither giving too much away at a time or being so dreary as to drag on. The conclusion was one I didn’t wholly see coming, and it was nice to be a bit surprised. Overall, I enjoyed this book, the fleshed out characters, and felt it didn’t leave me wanting, didn’t leave me with any questions about the characters or plot (central to the story, anyway), so I would recommend this book.
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood and Alcohol
cyndi1966's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Gun violence, and Mental illness
justmasyn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Child death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Car accident, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
alex_mabel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The dual perspectives were both very engaging and the ending came together well. I definitely wanted to keep reading to see how it all wrapped up.
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
maddiie046's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Murder
haleysversion's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
grettypop's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Rachel Krall is a famous true crime podcaster, known to uncover information better than the bureaucratic justice system allows. For this season of her podcast, she decided to cover the controversial rape case of K, by an up and coming rich swimmer. Murder is easy to judge - it's wrong. We all know that. But when it comes to rape, people love to victim blame. And there is someone leaving notes for Rachel on the windshield of her car.....
I will say this right now, do NOT read this if you can't stomach description of rape, sexual assault, and violation of minors. The book is very descriptive, and I found myself having to take breaks after certain parts.
The story runs of 3 lines:
#1 - Rachel's POV and what is happening to her right now - aka going to trial and getting creepy notes from a stranger
#2 - The actual podcast episodes covering the rape trial of K
#3 - The notes, written by someone named Hannah, covering the alleged murder of her sister from 25 years ago
I did NOT see a lot of twists coming. The book kept me engaged, excited to read on. I loved the audiobook version, because the podcast chapters are actually recorded like an episode. A very VERY good thriller for spooky season!
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, and Sexual assault
kaylamarch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
erin_knor's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Child death, Physical abuse, and Rape
Minor: Death of parent